Sole Source Notice for Culinary Reference Texts
ID: N0018925RR027Type: Special Notice
Overview

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSE

NAICS

Book Publishers (513130)

PSC

BOOKS AND PAMPHLETS (7610)

Set Aside

No Set aside used (NONE)

Original Source

https://sam.gov/opp/50fe33af6f5b443aa6cd1c283678806d/view
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Defense, through the NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center Norfolk, intends to award a Sole Source Firm Fixed Price contract to Pearson Education, Inc. for the procurement of digital downloads of essential culinary reference texts, specifically "On Cooking, A Textbook of Culinary Fundamentals, 7th Edition" and "On Baking, A Textbook of Baking and Pastry Fundamentals, 4th Edition." These texts are critical for the training and advancement of Navy Culinary Specialists, serving as foundational materials for all related advancement exams and ensuring standardized culinary education across Navy commands with dining facilities. The delivery of the required eBooks is scheduled for August 1, 2025, and any challenges to this sole source must be submitted in writing to Kaitlin O'Brien at kaitlin.n.obrien.civ@us.navy.mil for consideration by the Government.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Kaitlin O'Brien
    kaitlin.n.obrien.civ@us.navy.mil
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    1.04b - Justification for Sole Source At or Below SAT_Redacted2.pdf
    The document outlines the procurement requirements for culinary reference texts used by Navy Culinary Specialists. It specifies that Pearson Education's books, *On Cooking* and *On Baking*, are essential materials for training and advancement within the Navy's culinary field. As the exclusive publisher, Pearson is identified as the sole source for these eBooks, which limits competition and prohibits other resellers from distributing them. This sourcing decision is pivotal as these texts serve as the foundational knowledge for all Culinary Specialist advancement exams. The document emphasizes the importance of these materials in maintaining standardized culinary education across Navy commands with dining facilities. The procurement process aligns with federal regulations regarding sole source justification, ensuring that necessary educational resources are consistently available for Navy personnel.
    Justification for Sole Source At or Below SAT_Redacted.pdf
    The document addresses the exclusive procurement of culinary textbooks, specifically Pearson Education’s "On Cooking" and "On Baking," essential resources for Navy Culinary Specialists operating dining facilities (DFACs) or galleys. These texts serve as the foundational material for culinary knowledge within the Navy, being the sole reference used for advancement exams across various paygrades. The document notes that Pearson is the exclusive publisher and provider of these eBooks, confirming that no authorized resellers exist and purchases must go through Pearson Education, as verified on June 26, 2025. This highlights a limitation on competition due to proprietary data, underscoring the necessity of these specific materials for operational readiness within the Navy's culinary programs.
    Lifecycle
    Title
    Type
    Sole Source Notice for Culinary Reference Texts
    Currently viewing
    Special Notice
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